A very fashionable girlfriend of mine introduced me to Chie Mihara footwear a few weeks ago and I am hooked!  Chie Mihara is a Brazilian shoe designer with some serious skills. After working in fashion and accessories for years she launched her own line in 2001 in Spain.  I’ve never seen such fancy footwear, below is just one pair of Chie’s that I adore. They are called Rotonda – so pretty!  You can find Chie Mihara shoes at Browns and Gravitypope they range anywhere for $150-$400 a pair but are well worth it.  I think I’m beginning to realize how my Visa bills get so big each month.

Photo courtesy of ChieMihara.com

How cute are these shoes!  I was at a wedding this weekend and saw a handful of  ladies in tan heels; which made me realize I don’t actually own any tan heels.  Wanting to correct this heinous atrocity immediately I spent the afternoon on the hunt for a pair of tan heels to call my own.  The winner?  Isis by Diane von Furstenberg.  These gorgeous gals are made with light brown vachetta leather.  Vachetta leather is untreated leather (I had to look it up too).  I love the gold cross straps.  These heels are a fabulous five inches and cost a reasonable $189 at ssense.com.

Photo courtesy of Ssense.com

If you havn’t heard of Kris Van Assche you are missing out!  He has his own line of fierce, unique clothing and accessories and is also the artistic director for Dior Homme.  These shoes are one tiny example of his fiercely fabulous talent.  I’m saving my pennies for these $770 leather heels and can’t stop thinking about how sexy they’d look matched with a pair of leggings.  Like all the greats these shoes are made in Italy with impressive detailing.

Photo courtesy of SSense.com

Whilst losing my shopping mind in the forum shops at Caesars Palace I realized that I had to get a pair of black flats.  It was as if the man upstairs read my mind, loe and behold there was a Tory Burch boutique.  Ten minutes and $243 US later I walked out of the boutique with these FABULOUS Abbey Banana flats.  I’m a huge fan of Tory Burch, but I don’t like the big TB logo on the front of most of her shoes.  As soon as I saw these Chanel-esque, elasticated, suede flats I was in love.  The black patent leather capped toe and small gold logo detail at the heel sold me.  I tried them on and admired the classic look in the mirror.  My feet have never been happier!

Photo courtesy of Netaporter

Ok so yes I am obsessed with Louboutin’s!  I have been after these Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 patent pumps for a few years now.  I have almost bought them twice.  The first time they didn’t have my size and the second time I chickened out.  Spending $595 plus a ridiculous amount of tax is not something the average person can do – and as much as I hate to admit it, I am an average person (hard to believe I know).  Although, when the dog gets sick the $600 is scraped up from somewhere.  Anyways I love my dog, I love my life.  Getting back to the shoes.  Aren’t these the sexiest pumps you have ever seen?!  I leave for Las Vegas in two days and my first stop will be the Louboutin boutique.  They do say third time’s the charm…..

Photo courtesy of Netaporter

I think every female in Vancouver has a pair of Hunter rain boots, if you’re ridiculous like me then you have two pairs.  When you live in a city that has more rain than sunshine and a dog that likes to swim; rain boots are a must.  Hunter rain boots are so great because they’re fashionable; they come in a myriad of colors and most importantly they actually keep the water out.  I hate rain boots that aren’t waterproof.  It’s like having an umbrella with a hole in it – what’s the point?  Now I thought Hunter boots were pretty fashionable on their own.  But they hooked up with Jimmy Choo awhile back to create these Crocodile print Wellington boots.  Or as I like to call them – Dundee Wonders.    They differ from regular Hunter boots in that they have a gold buckle fastening tab and of course leopard-print lining.  You can find these boots online at NetaPorter for $425, they’re perfect year round – I just don’t recommend wearing them in any crocodile-infested waters.

Photo courtesy of Netaporter

If I had to describe my personality with a shoe it would most definitely be the Marc Jacobs jester bootie. These shoes are just like me: outrageous, unexpected, glamorous and comfy with a touch of class. Throw pearls on anything and you’ve bumped it up a rung on the social ladder.  These court jester style booties are a suede and leather combo and come in black and amber.  FABOOSH!  I’ve yet to see them in the stores, but they’re still new.  I’ll be sunning it up in Las Vegas in two weeks and they’re the first thing on my shopping list.  They’ll be the most expensive pair of slippers I’ll have ever bought.  These booties are definitely out there and my co-workers will think I’m showing up to the office in my slippers.  I have a feeling they’ll think I’m as big a fool as a real court jester.  Oh well, I already own three pairs of Uggs -you can’t look like much more of a fool than that.

Photo courtesy of Marc Jacobs

um, where do I start?  I have a confession, I am having a full-on emotional love affair with Christian Louboutin.  I have yet to buy a pair of Louboutin’s, but have come close about three times.  Basically I’m a coward and can’t make up my mind on which pair to buy.  For example, these peep-toe pumps are amazeballs!  But what the hell would I wear them with?!  Not exactly office material, but still so pretty.  These white leather, studded pumps  have about a 4.5inch heal and of course have the signature red leather sole. They’ll set you back about $1,895, but that’s still cheaper than a Macbook Pro.  So as soon as my boyfriend goes out and  buys another Mac, I’ll pick these bad boys up!

Photo courtesy of Netaporter

I went to the mall on the weekend for some window shopping.  The only place I intended to spend any money in was Starbucks.  That was until I passed Aldo and decided it didn’t hurt to have a quick peek.  As soon as I saw the Saundra sandals I had to have them!  The fabulous part about these gladiators is the zipper at the back.  Far too often my sandals have my heels sliding from side to side.  With these puppies you’re locked in and ready to go.  Perfect for those summer walks.  They also come in a rich brown and the best part, they’re only $50!

Say hello to the Marni pump by Rosegold. These GORGEOUS pumps are the perfect accessory for summer!  They remind me of the Christian Louboutin Coussin Pumps; but these are just as cute and considerably cheaper! I’m loving the leather panel feature at the toe and heel.  Perfect for those days you couldn’t get that pedicure and great for keeping your toes hidden – not the most attractive appendage on a woman.  Plus it’s great ventilation for those hot summer nights.  You can find these provocative pumps with a four-inch heel at Holly Boutique in Gastown for $225.

It’s the season for weddings and that means shopping.  Now I understand it’s all about the dress, but there is an important part of your outfit that no one really gets to see – the shoes! Bridal shoes often get neglected, so I think we should pay a little more attention to our feet by letting them have some of the glamour on the big day.  The 2010 bridal collection by Pour La Victoire is amazeballs!  I would get married just so I could have the dress, shoes, purse and be a princess for a day.  Who am I kidding; I’m a freaking princess everyday! Pour La Victoire shoes are usually priced around the $200 range, but one shouldn’t scrimp on their wedding day, because this collection is well worth it.  These shoes are modern and push the traditional boundaries of the typical bridal shoe.

Divia – Sometimes wedges are safer than heels, at least I find anyways.  If you’re paranoid you’ll fall over on your big day then maybe stilettos are not for you.  These wedges are a perfect alternative; plus you have to love the giant bow on the side.

Freya – This shoe is gorgeous!  It also comes in a vibrant red, which is also a great touch for any bride.  Can you imagine having that touch of red peeking out from under your dress?  No matter the color, this shoe is a winner and a perfect choice for any style dress.

Isis – If you’ve got a short dress, than this shoe is perfect for that little extra oomph.  The pearl cluster and diamond straps are what make this shoe what it is.  Plus there’s nothing more elegant than a slingback on your wedding day.

Antoinette - These are my favourite in the collection.  They are breathtaking!  Traditional yet modern.  I love the blue sole because it counts as your something new and blue. The diamonds and bows are a fabulous touch too!  Very french.

Sonya – The Sonya is a great shoe for a bride or even a bridesmaid.  This shoe definitely has a Marie Antoinette or Alice in Wonderland feel to it.  It’s as if the shoe has a dress of its own.  Very cute and I’m loving the blue-grey shade.

Baylie – This elegant shoe also comes in light pink and violet.  It’s a simple, structured shoe, with a light flare.  Like most Pour La Victoire shoes, it takes something simple and adds some spunk to it.  Just enough to make you stand out, which let’s face it, you have to do on your wedding day.

Flip flops aren’t always the best shoe for pools and beaches.  If you’re a germaphobe like me, you hate being barefoot or have any part of you touch a public floor.  If you’re also clumsy like me, you trip or slip on your flip flops.  But flop no more!  I introduce you to F-Troupe, a shoe brand based out of London that mixes the old with the new.  They’ve got a fabulous jelly bathing shoe that comes in a plethora of colors, enough to match to every bikini under the sun.  The shoe design is based on the old Plimsoll style, but has a modern twist to it by using the jelly material.  They come complete with laces and cut-out sides, perfect for walking on the ocean floor without cutting your feet.  You can find these shoes online at Need Supply for $42.  These are the perfect alternative to Crocs – which I hate with a passion; they are all function and no fashion!

WOW.  Jeffrey Campbell shoes are loud, proud and ready to party and the Tick peep toe wedge is no exception.  With a 4inch heel and 1inch platform, that is COVERED in ‘tacks’, these are perfect for a summer night out!  The top portion of the shoe is made from leather and hides a full inside zip.  You can find the Jeffrey Campbell Tick shoe online at Need Supply for $165.

Bloch was founded in 1932 by Australian Jacob Bloch, who originally made ballet and pointe shoes for dancers.  70 years later Bloch makes comfortable, stylish and durable flats for all. Now although I love my heels, I don’t love walking in them or wearing them the whole day!  For most of the year I live in ballet flats.  Sometimes it’s hard to find a pair that has a little attitude.  You want to have flats that fit right and also help you express yourself.  Bloch makes ballet flats that are on steroids!  The designs are colorful and filled with punch; easily matched with any outfit in your closet.

My favourite pair would be the Carnivale’s (purple and orange ones, 3rd row middle pair) by far the greatest pair of flats I’ve ever seen!  Of course these chic shoes are only available in equally chic stores like Gravity Pope, Blubird, Lola Home & Apparel and Eden Boutique.  To view the entire collection, visit their website at www.blochshoes.com.

As soon as the weather starts warming up we’ll all be in our shorts, skirts and dresses.  I’ve been trying to squeeze in all the workout time I can get so I can have luscious legs for summer.  For most, flip flops are a mainstay in the heat, but they’re definitely not the most comfortable option.  Well not anymore, I introduce you to: FitFlops!  FitFlops are stylish, comfortable shoes that actually help you workout while you walk; they’re engineered to help you build muscles with each step.  They’ve become quite the craze with over 4 million pairs sold in 48 different countries!

Now for the technical jargon: FitFlop footwear is biomechanically engineered to help tighten up and tone your leg muscles as you walk.  After some lengthy studies they discovered FitFlops can increase your calf muscle activity, improve your posture and overall muscle tone.  They have also been known to provide relief from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, chronic back pain and scoliosis.  You can read more about all the benefits of FitFlops here.  You can find FitFlops at Beautymark, Town Shoes, and view the collection online at www.fitflop.com.

Spring is in full bloom at Pour La Victoire.  Colorful opened-toe shoes as far as the eye can see for their SS2010 collection.  Pour La Victoire means ‘for victory’ in French and you’ll definitely be winning the fashion battle with these sexy shoes!  Launched in 2007 by designer veterans Jay Adoni and David Giordano, Pour La Victoire seeks to redefine what a designer shoe should be.

PLV shoes are inspired by European fashion –  Marie Antoinette is said to be a muse for the designers.  Each shoe has it’s own French name to add to its European flare.  Adoni and Giordano wanted to revolutionize the fashion world and give women a unique way of expressing their individuality.  The believed women’s shoes needed a new concept and their high-quality, comfortable, fashion forward designs were going to do it.  Prices run $150 and up but are well worth it.  These shoes are made with premium soft leathers and are carefully crafted in Brazil.

But don’t take my word for it celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Rachel Weisz and Alexa Chung have all been seen sporting fabulous PLV heels, boots and sandals.  Not to mention the collection has been featured on Gossip Girl, Melrose Place and The Hills.  You can find Pour La Victoire shoes at Eden boutique and Atomic Model in Yaletown and Oliver Barrett in West Vancouver.

You can look for a hand bag collection coming this fall by the boys and if it’s anything like their shoes they’ll fly off the shelves!  For more information or to squeal over their SS2010 collection visit www.plvstudio.com.

I have accepted and embraced that I, Mia Jagpal am a shoe slut.  I have a whole closet that is filled with my ‘children‘.  The great thing about shoes is that they always fit, no matter how much weight you gain or lose.  I have shoes from high school that I still wear!  My latest shoe obsession is Sam Edelman, an American Shoe Designer based out of New York.  Edelman has been in fashion for over 30 years but decided to launch his own shoe line back in 2004.  Sam Edelman shoes quickly became a huge success, garnering a celebrity following that includes Ashley Tisdale, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Kim Kardashian and Jennie Garth.

His shoes are fun, flirty and daring.  He has playful designs with sexy embellishments, making boots, sandals, heels and flats.  The price point for this line is quite reasonable, considering how fashion forward they are.   A cute touch is Sam’s over-sized signature stamped on the inside sole of every shoe.  You can find Sam Edelman shoes all over the world, but here in Vancouver they sell at Eden Boutique in Yaletown.  To view their entire collection you can log on to their website at www.samedelman.com.